FLORENCE, AL - International Education Week at the University of North Alabama kicks off Monday, Nov. 15 with events and activities that will take place on campus and in the community through Thursday, Nov. 18.

“The IEW is a great opportunity to share, learn, promote, and celebration international students,” said Dr. Chunsheng Zhang, Senior Vice Provost for International Affairs. “As a global campus, UNA’s mission calls for global learning for all, and the IEW offers such unique opportunities for everyone who shares the value of international understanding and cooperation.”

Events include:

• Monday, Nov. 15, Lee Sentell, the Director of the Alabama Tourism Department, will present The Official United States Civil Rights Trail at 6 p.m. at the Florence-Lauderdale Public Library.

• Tuesday, Nov. 16, there will be a discussion of Thanksgiving and its cultural significance for the benefit of international students. This event will be from 3-4 p.m. in Lafayette Hall and is sponsored by the Delores and Weldon Cole Honors College.

• An Education Abroad Lunch and Learn for faculty and staff will take place Wednesday, Nov. 17 at noon in the Loft of the Guillot University Center. Those who wish to learn more about opportunities abroad for students should plan to attend.

• “Passport to the World” will be Thursday, Nov. 18 in the banquet halls of the GUC. International students will showcase their cultures, food, dance, and music. This is event is free and open to the public.

“IEW celebrates the University’s mission to be innovative, inclusive, engaged, evolving, and global,” he said. “UNA’s Office of International Affairs is promoting international and intercultural learning for all members of the campus community through its ‘Global Learning for All’ initiative. IEW is a time to showcase those efforts.”

IEW events, coordinated through the Office of International Affairs, are meant to be broadly inclusive, in keeping with the University’s mission as well as enhancing the cultural profile of the City, said Dr. Butler Cain, Assistant Vice Provost for International Affairs. Dr. Cain has also taken on the task of organizing this year’s events.

For the students, who are immersed in American cultures as UNA students, IEW offers a rare opportunity to reverse the trend and share their culture with their American counterparts.

“We love embracing our culture and love to show it to others,” said Srinidhi Siddi, an international student who will be participating in IEW events.

Events open to the community provide unique opportunities for residents to learn more about global cultures, according to Florence Mayor Andy Betterton.

“Florence is proud to boast a global population and economy and acknowledges the valuable contributions of international students and families who study and work in Florence,” he said. “These relationships encourage peace and prosperity.”